Texas environmental regulators are accusing BP of showing a pattern of "poor operation and maintenance practices" at its Texas City refinery, the same plant where a 2005 explosion killed 15 workers.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality made the accusation after investigating an incident at the refinery that led to a nearly 40-day release of toxic and cancer-causing chemicals. The commission's findings were passed along to the state attorney general on July 23.
The release began April 6, days before a BP-operated rig blew up in the Gulf of Mexico.
BP did not immediately comment Wednesday.
A lawsuit filed Tuesday seeks $10 billion in damages for the same incident. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of workers and nearby residents.
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